Background
She was born as Kathleen Agnes Niccol in Auckland and educated by the Sisters of Mercy.
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Sister Mary Leo
Edit ProfileCareer
She began to show a musical talent and eventually adopted the vocation of a teacher of music, and took private classes in dancing, elocution, and singing. She occupied herself in the work of her religious institute in tending to the sick and needy. She never received formal training in vocal technique.
lieutenant was in the late 1930s, after she heard a recording of Deanna Durbin and was so taken with Durbin"s natural tone, flexible technique, vocal range and repertoire that included both opera and light music, that she decided to devote her time to teaching singing.
She developed the already strong musical tradition of Street Mary"s College in Auckland, with its orchestra, choirs, and individual tuition, and also conducted the Sisters" Choir. From 1934, the college offered private tuition, and her reputation as a vocal coach flourished.
From 1950 on, honours and plaudits followed the success of such students as Dame Malvina Major, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Heather Begg, Mina Foley, Judith Edwards, Elisabeth Hellawell, Patricia Price, Elaine Dow and Leo"s influence even extended into the rock music world with student January Hellriegel. She died in 1989, aged 94.
Membership
She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1963 New Year Honours, and elevated a Dame Commander of the Order (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1973 Birthday Honours.
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Born
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Died
March 5, 1989 (aged 93) -
Nationality
New Zealand